If you've followed the couple of posts I wrote on discovering a couple of Red Knots with what appears to be the antennae from radio tags on them, its generated some interest amongst the Red Knot Working Group. It appears more and more likely that I happened upon two of the only twenty radio tagged Red Knots from 2010. One of things I'm trying to do for them is get a hold of radio receiver, but I don't think one will be available nearby.
Knowing that it is, at best, a long shot I've been hoping to get out and see if I can't locate the birds. Last night Leah and Travis headed out for a weekend out on the land, and we discovered we still can't get into the new house as the former owners aren't done moving out. So after an update on the house situation, Hilary and I decided to go for a walk in an area that last year held a number of Baird's Sandpipers, skillfully avoiding packing at the same time.
We parked at the inlet to the water lake and set off. My ultimate goal was a circular shaped pond above the north east end of the lake and we'd cross dry tundra, wet tundra and hummocky wet tundra. It turned out to be too ambitious of a goal with a four year old in tow.
The evening, while a little windy at the start, was glorious, and butterflies abounded. Wildflowers are increasing and there was an abundance of Wooly Lousewort, nay a preponderance. There was, a surprising dearth of bird though, which leaves me wondering if last year's Baird's bounty was after the chicks had hatched and they were being led down to water's edge. We were quite away into the trip before we ran the first birds, Lapland Longspurs. There were none singing, but we encountered several softly calling little two note calls.
But as we closed the distance to our (my) goal my little girl's energy faltered. She wanted to turn around, and now every fly and mosquito seemed to be gigantic and frightening. So we turned and retraced our steps, a little higher up the slope to cover more ground. Hilary did amazing well and walked almost all the way, I ended up carrying her the last 200 – 300 metres, and the only reason she didn't fall asleep in my arms was the constant threat of a fly buzzing near.
Waiting for us near our truck was a surprise, one we'd heard while we were far out. At the edge of the lake was a pair of… geese. I'd like to be more detailed than that but I hate to admit that I'm stumped as to the species. My immediate impression was that they were Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii), but I waffled. Actually I'm still waffling as they might be "lesser" Canada Geese (Branta canadensis parvipes). Or one of each, although they were obviously paired.
Even now as I review the photos (they were very accommodating) I can't decide, although I'm leaning to parvipes. Or to one of each. In one photo they appear to be Cackling Geese to me, the next not, and I know this is the same two geese. I was there.
Cacklingesque
Canadaesque
The goose still sitting on the water looks for all the world like a Cackling Goose to me, the one taking of, not so much.
I rather like this shot
Circling back
One of each? Second goose a hybrid? Sigh.
Yes, they were close. Close enough even for a very tired girl to appreciate.
Comments
2 responses
I HATE it when I just can’t i.d. something. It’ll probably forever be a mystery. Enjoyed you red knots story. I’ll be interested to hear more as the story unfolds. Now, get that packing done!! ~karen
Hi Karen,
Still no updates on the Red Knots. I’ve been trying to find a radio receiver, so far without luck. It would be unlikely that the batteries would be still working anyway.